President Donald Trump said Wednesday that his administration
hopes to welcome Poland into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) "very soon."
While speaking at a joint press conference at the White
House with Polish president Andrzej Duda, Trump said, "Though we still
have some work to do, we hope to welcome Poland into the VWP very soon -- and
that's a very big deal," according to the U.S. Travel Association.
U.S. Travel has long advocated for Poland's admission into
the VWP, along with Israel and Brazil.
Tori Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and
policy for U.S. Travel said that adding Poland to the VWP would be "an
economic boon -- not to mention the benefit to the security relationship
between the two countries."
Barnes said that Polish visitation to the U.S. had already
increased 53% between 2013 and 2018, making it one of the fastest-growing
European inbound travel markets.
"That growth could swell significantly if Poland joins
the VWP," she said. "Within three years of joining the VWP, the U.S.
could expect an additional 97,000 Polish arrivals annually and $312 million in
spending, which would produce nearly $720 million in economic output and
support 4,200 jobs.
"Poland is a logical next addition to the program, and
its admittance would further strengthen economic and security ties between our
two nations," Barnes said.